There are many reasons why people might decide to do their own tree pruning. Maybe they think it will save them money, or they just don’t want to wait for a professional. However, there are several risks associated with DIY pruning that may not be worth taking. This article will discuss some of the dangers of self-pruning and why it’s always best to leave the job to the tree trimming experts serving all of Portland.
Pruning Trees is Risky
Did you know that the US Census Bureau ranks tree pruning as one of the most dangerous jobs in America? Most of the accidents that occur are due to amateur property owners attempting to do the job themselves. Even if you manage to avoid serious injury, there’s always the risk of damaging your property. Remember, trees can be very heavy, and their limbs can extend a long way. One wrong cut could take out a power line or windows on your house.
Here are some of the risk factors to consider before pruning your trees:
A Lack of Experience or Knowledge
There is more to pruning a tree than starting a Chainsaw and hacking away. Different cuts are used for different purposes, and the direction of the cut matters as well. If you don’t understand how to prune a tree properly, you could end up doing more harm than good. That’s why professionals have to go through a rigorous training process before they’re allowed to work on trees.
The Wrong Tools
Another thing to consider is the type of equipment you’ll need for the job. If you don’t have the right tools, you could end up damaging your tree or putting yourself in danger. For example, using a hand saw to cut through a large limb is not only dangerous but also ineffective. The same goes for using a Chainsaw without the proper safety gear.
Similarly, using dull tools that have not been properly maintained can be just as dangerous as using the wrong tools. That’s because they can cause you to slip or lose control, which could lead to serious injury.
Do You Have Safety Gear and Equipment?
If you think tree pruning is only about hacking away at branches with a Chainsaw, you’re in for a surprise. The truth is, it’s a very physical job that requires a lot of climbing, lifting, and reaching. This means you’ll need the proper safety gear to protect yourself from falls and other injuries.
This includes items like gloves, helmets, eye protection, and chainsaw chaps.
Not only that, but you’ll also need the right equipment to do the job safely. This includes items like ladders, ropes, a climbing harness, carabiners, and of course, a Chainsaw. If you don’t have all of these things, you could be putting yourself at serious risk.
In addition, if you are working as a team, you’ll need an efficient means of communication to avoid accidents.
Over Pruning
Getting overzealous with the pruning process is another common mistake people make when they try to do the job themselves. While it’s important to remove dead or damaged branches, you shouldn’t go overboard.
Removing too many branches can damage the tree’s vascular system, which could lead to a slow death. So, it’s critical to avoid removing more than 25% of the live branches on any given tree. Not to mention, over-pruning can also reduce the aesthetic value of your trees. So, if you value your property’s curb appeal, it’s best to leave the job to the professionals.
Liability
Imagine the limb of the tree you have been cutting accidentally falling on your neighbor’s new car. Or, what if you were to drop your Chainsaw and it landed on someone walking by? These are just a few of the potential liabilities you face when pruning your trees.
Not to mention, if you damage power lines or your neighbor’s property, you could be facing some serious legal penalties. That’s why it’s critical to hire a professional tree service company that is insured and bonded. This way, you won’t have to worry about any potential liabilities.
How Will You Handle the Green Waste?
It’s one thing to prune a tree, but it’s another thing entirely to dispose of the green waste. Depending on the size of the tree, you could be looking at a lot of branches and leaves. And, if you don’t have a ready way to dispose of it, this could be a major headache and added expense.
Pruning a tree is not as easy as it seems. There are many things to consider, such as the type of cut, the direction of the cut, and the type of equipment needed. If you don’t have the right tools or safety gear, you could end up doing more harm than good. It’s also important to avoid over-pruning, as this can damage the tree’s vascular system. That’s why it’s always best to hire a professional tree service company having the proper equipment, safety gear, and insurance to protect you from any potential liabilities.